Laser light source adapted for LCD back-lit displays

A light source and a display utilizing the same are disclosed. The light source includes a laser, a light pipe, and an optical fiber. The light pipe includes a layer of transparent material having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a first edge. The first optical fiber couples light from the laser to the first edge at a first location. The light is injected into the light pipe such that the light is reflected from the top surface and the light pipe includes a plurality of scattering centers that scatter the light through the top surface. The laser can be in thermal contact with a heat sink placed at a location that is adapted for dissipating heat. The light source can include a plurality of lasers in a color display. The light from the various lasers can be mixed before it reaches the light pipe or in the light pipe.